Wayanad Landslides in 2024 Linked to Global Water Cycle Disruption

Wayanad Landslides in 2024 Linked to Global Water Cycle Disruption

The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report underscores significant disruptions in the global water cycle driven by climate change, leading to severe water-related disasters around the world. These events resulted in over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and caused economic losses exceeding $550 billion. The report highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as landslides, floods, and droughts, due to global warming, which are severely impacting ecosystems, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The Wayanad landslides in India are particularly noted as a devastating example of climate-induced disasters.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Report Global Water Cycle Disruption Climate change has significantly altered the global water cycle in 2024, contributing to a rise in water-related disasters such as landslides, floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones. The disasters resulted in over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and caused $550 billion in economic damages. Wayanad Landslides (India) In July 2024, 409mm of rainfall in 24 hours triggered the landslides in Wayanad, leading to the loss of 375 lives and displacing 10,000 people. The disaster caused $140 million in economic losses and serves as a key example of the deadly effects of climate-induced rainfall. Other Major Disasters Flash floods and river floods affected Afghanistan, Pakistan, and East Africa. Severe flooding occurred in Rio Grande do Sul and the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Tropical cyclones, landslides, and droughts were linked to rising global temperatures. Climate Change Impact Rising sea surface temperatures contributed to prolonged droughts in Southern Africa and the Amazon. Extreme rainfall events occurred 52% more frequently in 2024 compared to previous decades, while record-dry months increased by 38%, worsening water scarcity. Temperature and Precipitation Trends 2024 saw the highest-ever global land temperatures, with significant increases in extreme rainfall and dry periods. 34 countries recorded their highest annual maximum temperatures, and the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and flash floods rose. Declining Water Storage Lake and reservoir water storage decreased globally for the fifth consecutive year, particularly in South America, while some regions of Africa saw increases. Forecast for 2025 The report forecasts the likelihood of more extreme weather events, including flash floods, droughts, intense storms, and heatwaves. Regions at risk include Northern South America, Southern Africa, Central Asia, North America, and Western Australia, with increased flooding risks in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Europe, and Asia.